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WINDOWS XP, MAC OS 10.1. TIME TO UPGRADE?

The "modern" operating systems are finally upon us. Windows XP and OS X are the two major operating systems for the PC and Macintosh respectively. But should you upgrade your current OS to the new one or wait for a while? The old adage of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" has proven to be golden so many times in my life. given the complexity of the subject and the shortness of this column, here are a few points for you to consider before making the plunge.

First and foremost, resistance is futile. I mean by this that eventually the older OS you are using will sooner or later be discontinued. As you upgrade your software over time, the newer versions of the applications you are using will eventually require the new OS. And finally, your computer won't last forever, no matter how much you try and fix and upgrade it. Eventually you will buy a new one and when you do, it will come with the new OS already installed.

Accepting this inevitability still doesn't give you a time schedule as to when to make the move. If you decide to go ahead now, you will be considered to be an "early adopter" by many. You can be fairly assured that some of your existing software and hardware may not function properly or not at all. A wise precaution would be to make a list of which products you use on a daily basis. Of these determine which ones you can't live without and which you may be able to go without for a time. Then proceed to see if the new OS will support the items on your list. Both Apple and Microsoft have product compatibility lists available on their web sites. Also check the product's web site to see if it will work with the new OS or if there is some sort of upgrade. Some may be free while others will have a price tag. Factor in the costs of these upgrades to your final decision as well.

If there is no pressing need for you to upgrade, it may be prudent to wait a while longer as the industry catches up with the new operating systems and releases products that work with them.

But if you want to immediately start experiencing the many benefits of a modern operating system such as a higher degree of stability and the beautiful eye-candy appearance of your new desktop, and if you think you can make the move without sacrificing what you need to get the job done, then it may be time to take the plunge. Just be prepared for a little pain and adjustment to your shiny new OS. But in my opinion, in the long run you'll be happy you did.

Use PC to customize Remote Control

If you're looking for a really cool universal remote control, check out Onkyo's CHAD touchscreen remote. The touch sensitive screen operates with any device using an infrared remote. The CHAD ($500) is a learning remote that reads your current remote's signals and then emulates them. You can also select from it's internal database of over 500 brands in case you lose your original remote. What's really nice about the CHAD is that you can connect it to your computer and customize the presentation screens on its display with the included Edit software. You can select and define buttons and their layout directly from your computer. Upgrades to the CHAD can be downloaded to the unit as new abilities become available giving the CHAD a longer product life. An optional RF receiver ($150) lets the CHAD operate on a radio signal instead of the infrared which allows it to operate equipment through walls and extends its range to about 70 feet. An optional docking cradle ($150) lets it operate on rechargeable batteries.

www.onkyousa.com